Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics
Sam Houston State University
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Preferred:Master’s degree in a related field. Experience in Division I – FBS Collegiate Athletics. Experience working with third-party partners (e.g., Learfield, Van Wagner, Amplify). Knowledge of digital fan engagement platforms (such as Sidearm), CRM systems, ticketing platforms (such as Paciolan), and performance analytics tools. Nature & Purpose of Position The Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics will provide strategic leadership and oversight for key functions including marketing, communications, broadcasting, digital media, ticketing, sponsorships, and fan engagement. Reporting to Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Branding in Integrated Marketing Communications leadership and collaborating closely with Athletics administration, this role will drive program growth, revenue generation, and community engagement efforts.
The ideal candidate is a strategic leader experienced in managing cross-functional teams and third-party partners, fostering innovation and operational excellence. This position requires a forward-thinking individual skilled in delegation and delivering measurable outcomes that enhance the student-athlete experience while supporting the university’s mission. Primary Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Team Management:Leads, mentors, and empowers a multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, creative services, digital media, broadcasting, and ticketing, delegating operational tasks to maximize efficiency and impact. Sets clear strategic priorities and fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability aligned with departmental and university goals. Collaborates with third-party partners (e.g., Learfield Amplify, Van Wagner), ensuring seamless integration and alignment with objectives.
Marketing, Communications & StorytellingDevelops and oversees integrated creative and written marketing, advertising, and communication strategies that elevate the varsity sports brand, increase fan engagement, and drive attendance growth while ensuring brand consistency with university standards. Delegates the production and timely delivery of sports information—including game stats and athlete highlights—while guiding compelling storytelling and dynamic content creation.
Broadcasting & Digital MediaProvides strategic oversight of athletics broadcasting (livestream, digital, radio, television) and digital media initiatives, delegating day-to-day operations to qualified staff. Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities to enhance production quality, expand digital reach, and generate revenue through media partnerships.
Fan & Community EngagementShapes and oversees game-day fan experience strategies and student engagement programs, delegating execution to staff and building relationships with campus partners. Leads and delegates the execution of community outreach initiatives connecting athletics with local schools, families, and businesses.
Revenue & Business OperationsDirects ticketing strategies and sponsorship development to drive sustainable revenue growth, delegates implementation and analysis while maintaining financial oversight. Establishes and monitors goals for ticket sales and revenue growth. Manages budgets and utilize performance analytics to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
Compliance & Institutional AlignmentEnsures all external operations comply with NCAA, conference, and university policies, delegating compliance monitoring to staff as appropriate. Collaborates with athletics leadership and university stakeholders to align athletics initiatives with institutional priorities and represent the department on relevant committees.
Other DutiesPerforms other related duties and delegates additional responsibilities as assigned by senior leadership to support the department’s overall success. Other Specifications Frequent evening and weekend work is required in support of home and some away athletic events and community initiatives. Fast-paced, collaborative environment that requires effective multitasking and problem-solving under pressure.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Full Time Part Time Full Time Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/45083 EEO Statement EEO Statement Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Requisition 202500041ES Title Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary Commensurate with education and experience. Department IMC Athletics External Engagement Division Integrated Marketing Communications Open Date 10/03/2025 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports management, broadcasting, business, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics external operations, or a related role, with team leadership responsibilities. Demonstrated success in revenue generation, sponsorship development, and strategic planning. Familiarity with fan engagement best practices, digital marketing, and sports broadcasting. Understanding of NCAA compliance and the role of athletics within higher education. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead collaborative teams and manage multiple stakeholders.Preferred:Master’s degree in a related field. Experience in Division I – FBS Collegiate Athletics. Experience working with third-party partners (e.g., Learfield, Van Wagner, Amplify). Knowledge of digital fan engagement platforms (such as Sidearm), CRM systems, ticketing platforms (such as Paciolan), and performance analytics tools. Nature & Purpose of Position The Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics will provide strategic leadership and oversight for key functions including marketing, communications, broadcasting, digital media, ticketing, sponsorships, and fan engagement. Reporting to Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Branding in Integrated Marketing Communications leadership and collaborating closely with Athletics administration, this role will drive program growth, revenue generation, and community engagement efforts.
The ideal candidate is a strategic leader experienced in managing cross-functional teams and third-party partners, fostering innovation and operational excellence. This position requires a forward-thinking individual skilled in delegation and delivering measurable outcomes that enhance the student-athlete experience while supporting the university’s mission. Primary Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Team Management:Leads, mentors, and empowers a multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, creative services, digital media, broadcasting, and ticketing, delegating operational tasks to maximize efficiency and impact. Sets clear strategic priorities and fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability aligned with departmental and university goals. Collaborates with third-party partners (e.g., Learfield Amplify, Van Wagner), ensuring seamless integration and alignment with objectives.
Marketing, Communications & StorytellingDevelops and oversees integrated creative and written marketing, advertising, and communication strategies that elevate the varsity sports brand, increase fan engagement, and drive attendance growth while ensuring brand consistency with university standards. Delegates the production and timely delivery of sports information—including game stats and athlete highlights—while guiding compelling storytelling and dynamic content creation.
Broadcasting & Digital MediaProvides strategic oversight of athletics broadcasting (livestream, digital, radio, television) and digital media initiatives, delegating day-to-day operations to qualified staff. Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities to enhance production quality, expand digital reach, and generate revenue through media partnerships.
Fan & Community EngagementShapes and oversees game-day fan experience strategies and student engagement programs, delegating execution to staff and building relationships with campus partners. Leads and delegates the execution of community outreach initiatives connecting athletics with local schools, families, and businesses.
Revenue & Business OperationsDirects ticketing strategies and sponsorship development to drive sustainable revenue growth, delegates implementation and analysis while maintaining financial oversight. Establishes and monitors goals for ticket sales and revenue growth. Manages budgets and utilize performance analytics to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
Compliance & Institutional AlignmentEnsures all external operations comply with NCAA, conference, and university policies, delegating compliance monitoring to staff as appropriate. Collaborates with athletics leadership and university stakeholders to align athletics initiatives with institutional priorities and represent the department on relevant committees.
Other DutiesPerforms other related duties and delegates additional responsibilities as assigned by senior leadership to support the department’s overall success. Other Specifications Frequent evening and weekend work is required in support of home and some away athletic events and community initiatives. Fast-paced, collaborative environment that requires effective multitasking and problem-solving under pressure.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Full Time Part Time Full Time Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/45083 EEO Statement EEO Statement Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
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